Pistol Pete

Inspired after the gun slinging lawman, Frank Eaton, New Mexico A & M (at the time) adopted the collegiate mascot "Pistol Pete" in the 1950's to represent the Aggie pride and culture of the university. There have been various forms of Pistol Pete, including one with a wired on mustache and a large fiber glass head too hot to wear during fall football games. Currently, Pistol Pete brandishes traditional cowboy style attire; a button up shirt, denim jeans, leather vest, chaps, boots, and his ever popular mustache, holster, and pistols.

Pistol Pete is not only important to all athletic events but also a variety of community, student, and alumni events with over 90 appearances throughout the year. The individuals portraying Pete are full time students who competitively try-out for the two-time USA Collegiate Cheerleading National Champion Mascot position. These hard working students also receive a scholarship from the Alumni Association with help from the New Mexico State University license plate program. If you are a student and interested in trying out for the Pistol Pete mascot, please contact the Alumni Association.

"It is important to me to be Pistol Pete because I get to have a great time with people who love the Aggies as much as I do." - Jordan Johnson, Electrical Engineering, Class of 2017